No safety measures planned at fatal junction

Luxembourg City has no plans to introduce further safety measures at a city junction where a pedestrian was killed at the beginning of the month.

28.01.2014

Luxembourg City has no plans to introduce further safety measures at a city junction where a pedestrian was killed at the beginning of the month.

European school teacher Trevor King, 57, died of his injuries when he was hit by a car at a crossroads and pinned to a traffic pole.

The collision occurred on the evening of January 11 at the junction of “Boulevard Grand-Duchesse Charlotte” and “Avenue Monterey” after a vehicle was struck by another car, which ran a red light.

City councillor Claudine Konsbruck asked if the City authority's mobility service would introduce further security measures, such as a mobile concrete wall, to protect pedestrians at the junction.

However, at a meeting on Monday, mobility echevin Sam Tanson concluded that there were no security issues at the crossing where the fatal accident occurred.

According to Ms Konsbruck, Ms Tanson said all safety provisions were fulfilled and sufficient visibility was guaranteed.

Furthermore, the City authority concluded that the tragedy was caused by the behaviour of the driver who, in their view, did not respect the red lights.

“I don't share this opinion and do still think that the corner is extremely dangerous for pedestrians. Visibility in all directions is, in my opinion, not guaranteed,” Ms Konsbruck told wort.lu, adding that she was told the pavement was not wide enough to install a concrete wall.

Ms Konsbruck's reaction was echoed by staff at nearby hairdresser Igorance Luxembourg, where the victim had been a customer.

“Since they began roadworks in that area, it's been very dangerous. The cars go very close to the pavement. It's really dangerous and often people run red lights," Igorance Manager Lolita Schoepler told wort.lu, adding: "I would say the Ville de Luxembourg should make it safer for pedestrians and there should be better policing of motorists.”